The Beheading of St. John Baptist

Greater Double

Common

1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH
 

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Heródes enim ténuit * et ligávit Joánnem et pósuit in cárcerem propter Herodíadem.

Ant.    Herod himself had sent forth, * and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison, for Herodias' sake.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Ant.    Heródes enim ténuit et ligávit Joánnem et pósuit in cárcerem propter Herodíadem.

Ant.    Herod himself had sent forth, and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison, for Herodias' sake.

Ant.    Dómine mi rex, * da mihi in disco caput Joánnis Baptístæ.

Ant.    O my lord the king, * give me in a charger the head of John Baptist.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Ant.    Dómine mi rex, da mihi in disco caput Joánnis Baptístæ.

Ant.    O my lord the king, give me in a charger the head of John Baptist.

Ant.    Puéllæ saltánti * imperávit mater : Nihil áliud petas, nisi caput Joánnis.

Ant.    For when the damsel danced, * her mother bade her, saying : See thou ask for nothing else than the head of John.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Ant.    Puéllæ saltánti imperávit mater : Nihil áliud petas, nisi caput Joánnis.

Ant.    For when the damsel danced, her mother bade her, saying : See thou ask for nothing else than the head of John.

Ant.    Arguébat * Heródem Joánnes propter Herodíadem, quam túlerat fratri suo Philíppo uxórem.

Ant.    Now John had reproved Herod * for Herodias' sake, whom he took as his wife from his brother Philip.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Ant.    Arguébat Heródem Joánnes propter Herodíadem, quam túlerat fratri suo Philíppo uxórem.

Ant.    Now John had reproved Herod for Herodias' sake, whom he took as his wife from his brother Philip.

Ant.    Da mihi in disco * caput Joánnis Baptístæ.  Et contristátus est rex propter jusjurándum.

Ant.    Give me in a charger * the head of John Baptist.  And the king was sorry, for his oath's sake.

Psalmus 116.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum, omnes Gentes: * laudáte eum, omnes pópuli :
2  Quóniam confirmáta est super nos misericórdia ejus: * et véritas Dómini manet in ætérnum.

Psalm 116.  Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; * praise him, all ye peoples.
2  For his mercy is confirmed upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

Ant.    Da mihi in disco caput Joánnis Baptístæ.  Et contristátus est rex propter jusjurándum.

Ant.    Give me in a charger the head of John Baptist.  And the king was sorry, for his oath's sake.

STAND

Capitulum           Jac. 1. 12.
Beátus vir, qui suffert tentatiónem : quóniam cum probátus fúerit, accípiet corónam vitæ, quam repromísit Deus diligéntibus se.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        James 1. 12.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for, when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Deus, tuórum mílitum
Sors, et coróna, præmium,
Laudes canéntes Mártyris
Absólve nexu críminis.

Hic nempe mundi gáudia,
Et blanda fraudum pábula
Imbúta felle députans,
Pervénit ad cæléstia.

Pœnas cucúrrit fórtiter,
Et sústulit viríliter,
Fundénsque pro te sánguinem,
Ætérna dona póssidet.

Ob hoc precátu súpplici
Te póscimus, piíssime :
In hoc triúmpho Mártyris
Dimítte noxam sérvulis.

*  Laus et perénnis glória
Patri sit, atque Fílio,
Sancto simul Paráclito,
In sempitérna sæcula.  Amen.

O God, thy soldiers' great reward,
Their portion, crown, and faithful Lord,
From all transgressions set us free
Who sing thy Martyr's victory.

By wisdom taught he learn'd to know
The vanity of all below,
The fleeting joys of earth disdain'd,
And everlasting glory gain'd.

For thee through many a woe he ran,
In many a fight he play'd the man;
For thee his blood he dar'd to pour,
And thence hath joy for evermore.

We therefore pray thee, Lord of love,
Regard us from thy throne above;
On this thy Martyr's triumph-day
Wash ev'ry stain of sin away.

Ordinary Doxology
Enduring laud and praise be done
To God the Father, and the Son,
And to the Holy Paraclete,
For endless ages, as is meet.  Amen.

V.  Glória et honóre coronásti eum, Dómine.
R.  Et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.

V.  Thou hast crowned him with glory and worship, O Lord.
R.  And hast made him to have dominion of the works of thy hands.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Misso Heródes * spiculatóre, præcépit amputári caput Joánnis in cárcere.  Quo audíto, discípuli ejus venérunt, et tulérunt corpus ejus, et posuérunt illud in monuménto.

Ant. on Magnif:  Herod sent an executioner, *  and commanded him to behead John in the prison, and when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his body, and laid it in a tomb.

MAGNIFICAT

Oremus.
Sancti Joánnis Baptístæ Præcursóris et Mártyris tui, quæsumus, Dómine, veneránda festívitas : salutáris auxílii nobis præstet efféctum : Qui vivis et regnas.

Let us pray.
We pray thee, O Lord, that this solemn festival of St. John Baptist thy blessed Forerunner and Martyr : may effectually bestow upon us thy succour to the attainment of everlasting salvation.  Who livest and reignest with the Father.

Ant:  O Doctor óptime, Ecclésiæ sanctæ lumen, beáte Augustíne, divínæ legis amátor, deprecáre pro nobis Fílium Dei.

Ant:  O Doctor right excellent, O light of Holy Church, O blessed Augustine, lover of the divine law, entreat for us the Son of God.

V.  Justum dedúxit Dóminus per vias rectas.
R.  Et osténdit illi regnum Dei.

V.  The Lord guided the righteous in right paths.
R.  And shewed him the kingdom of God.

Orémus.
Adésto supplicatiónibus nostris, omnípotens Deus : et, quibus fidúciam sperándæ pietátis indúlges, intercedénte beáto Augustíno Confessóre tuo atque Pontífice consuétæ misericórdiæ tríbue benígnus efféctum.  (Per Dóminum nostrum.)

Let us pray.
Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications : that we, whom thou dost suffer to put our trust and confidence in thy mercy ; may, at the intercession of blessed Augustine thy Confessor and Bishop, obtain of thy goodness the wonted effects of thy compassion.  (Through.)

Church of Santa Sabina, Rome

Ant:  Símile est regnum cælórum hómini negotiatóri quærénti bonas margarítas : invénta una pretiósa, dedit ómnia sua, et comparávit eam.

Ant:  The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

V.  Spécie tua et pulchritúdine tua.
R.  Inténde, próspere procéde, et regna.

V.  In thy comeliness, yea in thy beauty.
R.  Go forth, ride prosperously, and reign.

Oremus.
Deus, qui inter cétera poténtiæ tuæ mirácula étiam in sexu frágili victóriam martyrii contulísti : concéde propítius ; ut, qui beátæ Sabínæ Mártyris tuæ natalítia cólimus, per ejus ad te exémpla gradiámur.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who among the manifold works of thine almighty power hast bestowed even upon the weakness of women strength to win the victory of martyrdom : grant, we beseech thee ; that we, who on this day recall the heavenly birth of Saint Sabina thy Martyr, may so follow in her footsteps, that we may likewise attain unto thee.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline
 

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn
 

First Nocturn

The Psalms with their Antiphons, as well as the V. and R. are taken from the Common of a Martyr.

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

Incipit liber Jeremíæ Prophétæ

Here beginneth the Book of Jeremiah the Prophet

Verba Jeremíæ fílii Helcíæ, de sacerdótibus, qui fuérunt in Anathoth, in terra Bénjamin.  Quod factum est verbum Dómini ad eum in diébus Josíæ fílii Amon regis Juda, in tertiodécimo anno regni ejus.  Et factum est in diébus Jóakim fílii Josíæ regis Juda, usque ad consummatiónem undécimi anni Sedecíæ fílii Josíæ regis Juda, usque ad transmigratiónem Jerúsalem, in mense quinto.  Et factum est verbum Dómini ad me, dicens : Priúsquam te formárem in útero, novi te : et ántequam exíres de vulva, sanctificávi te, et prophétam in Géntibus dedi te.

The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.  It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.  Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Misit Heródes rex manus, ac ténuit Joánnem et vinxit eum in cárcere, quia metuébat eum propter Herodíadem, * Quam túlerat fratri suo Philíppo uxórem.
V.  Arguébat Heródem Joánnes propter Herodíadem.
R.  Quam túlerat fratri suo Philíppo uxórem.

R.  Herod the King sent forth, and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison, for he was in fear of him on account of Herodias. * His brother Philip's wife, for he had married her.
V.  For John had rebuked Herod on account of Herodias.
R.  His brother Philip's wife, for he had married her.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

Et dixi, A a a, Dómine Deus : ecce néscio loqui, quia puer ego sum.  Et dixit Dóminus ad me : Noli dícere, Puer sum : quóniam ad ómnia, quæ mittam te, ibis : et univérsa, quæcúmque mandávero tibi, loquéris.  Ne tímeas a fácie eórum : quia tecum ego sum, ut éruam te, dicit Dóminus.  Et misit Dóminus manum suam, et tétigit os meum : et dixit Dóminus ad me : Ecce dedi verba mea in ore tuo : ecce constítui te hódie super Gentes, et super regna, ut evéllas, et déstruas, et dispérdas, et díssipes, et ædífices, et plantes.

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.  But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.  Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.  Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.  See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Joánnes Baptísta arguébat Heródem * Propter Herodíadem, quam túlerat fratri suo vivénti uxórem.
V.  Misso Heródes spiculatóre, præcépit amputári caput Joánnis in cárcere.
R.  Propter Herodíadem, quam túlerat fratri suo vivénti uxórem.

R.  John Baptist did sternly rebuke King Herod *  On account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had taken unto himself while his brother was yet alive.
V.  So Herod sent an executioner, and commanded to behead John in prison.
R.  On account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had taken unto himself while his brother was yet alive.

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Tu ergo accínge lumbos tuos, et surge, et lóquere ad eos ómnia quæ ego præcípio tibi.  Ne formídes a fácie eórum : nec enim timére te fáciam vultum eórum.  Ego quippe dedi te hódie in civitátem munítam, et in colúmnam férream, et in murum æreum, super omnem terram, régibus Juda, princípibus ejus, et sacerdótibus, et pópulo terræ.  Et bellábunt advérsum te, et non prævalébunt : quia ego tecum sum, ait Dóminus, ut líberem te.

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.  For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.  And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Puéllæ saltánti imperávit mater : * Nihil áliud petas, nisi caput Joánnis. * Et contristátus est rex propter jusjurándum et propter simul discumbéntes.
V.  Ait puella matri suæ : Quid petam?  At illa ait.
R.  Nihil áliud petas, nisi caput Joánnis.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et contristátus est rex propter jusjurándum et propter simul discumbéntes.

R.  The damsel danced, and her mother charged her, saying : * See thou ask nothing, but only the head of John.  * And the king was sorry, for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him.
V.  The damsel said unto her mother : What shall I ask?  And she said.
R.  See thou ask nothing, but only the head of John.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And the king was sorry, for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him.

Second Nocturn

If this Feast be reduced to Simple rank, and the Ninth Lesson of this Feast is to be said according to the rubrics, the following Fourth Lesson is said only.

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Quóniam beáti Joánnis Baptístæ non strictim prætereúnda est recordátio, ínterest ut quis et a quibus et quam ob causam, quo modo et quo témpore sit occísus, advértere debeámus.  Ab adúlteris justus occíditur, et a reis in júdicem capitális scéleris pœna convértitur.  Deínde præmium saltatrícis, mors est Prophétæ.  Postrémo (quod étiam omnes bárbari horrére consuevérunt) inter épulas atque convívia consummándæ crudelitátis profértur edíctum ; et a convívio ad cárcerem, de cárcere ad convívium ferális flagítii circumfértur obséquium.  Quanta in uno facínore sunt crímina!

We must not hurry past the record of blessed Baptist John.  We must ask what he was ; by whom he was slain ; and why and how.  He was a righteous man, murdered  for his righteousness by adulterers.  He was a judge, who suffered condemnation to death by the guilty ones because he had justly judged their guilt.  He was the prophet whose death was a fee paid to a dancing-girl for a lascivious dance.  And lastly a thing from which even savages would shrink his head was served up as a dish at a banquet.  For the order to commit the atrocity was given amid the merriment of a dinner-party ; and the servants of the murderer introduced the murder amid the courses of the meal, running from banquet to prison, and from prison to banquet!  See how many infamies are contained in this one crime.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Justus germinábit sicut lílium: * Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.
V.  Plantátus in domo Dómini, in átriis domus Dei nostri.
R.  Et florébit in ætérnum ante Dóminum.

R.  The righteous shall grow as the lily; *  Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever.
V.  Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of the house of our God.
R.  Yea, he shall flourish in the presence of the Lord for ever.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

Quis non, cum e convívio ad cárcerem cursári vidéret, putáret Prophétam jussum esse dimítti?  Quis, inquam, cum audísset natálem esse Heródis, solémne convívium, puéllæ optiónem eligéndi quod vellet datam ; missum ad Joánnem ob solutiónem non arbitrarétur?  Quid crudelitáti cum delíciis? quid cum funéribus voluptáti?  Rápitur ad pœnam Prophéta conviváli témpore, conviváli præcépto, quo non cúperet vel absólvi : perímitur gládio, caput ejus affértur in disco.  Hoc crudelitáti férculum debebátur, quo insatiáta épulis féritas vescerétur.

Who is there that, on seeing the messenger hasten from the dinner-table to the prison, would not have forthwith concluded that he carried an order for the prophet's release?  If anyone had heard that it was Herod's birthday, and that he was giving a great feast, and that he had offered a damsel the choice of whatever she wished, and that thereupon a messenger had been sent to John's dungeon―if anyone, I say, had heard this, what would he have supposed?  He would have concluded that the damsel had asked and obtained John's freedom.  What hath merry-making in common with cruelty? or pleasure-seeking with death-dealing?  While the banquet was in progress, the prophet was hurried to his doom, by an order from the reveller whom he had not troubled even by a prayer for release.  He was slain with the sword, and his head was served up in a charger.  This was the new dish demanded by a cruelty which the banquet had been powerless to glut.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Iste cognóvit justítiam, et vidit mirabília magna, et exorávit Altíssimum: * Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.
V.  Iste est, qui contémpsit vitam mundi, et pervénit ad cæléstia regna.
R.  Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et invéntus est in número Sanctórum.

R.  This is he which knew righteousness, and saw great wonders, and made his prayer unto the Most High; * And he is numbered among the Saints.
V.  This is he which loved not his life in this world, and is come unto an everlasting kingdom.
R.  And he is numbered among the Saints.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And he is numbered among the Saints.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

Intuére, rex acerbíssime, tuo spectácula digna convívio.  Pórrige déxteram, ne quid sævítiæ tuæ desit ; ut inter dígitos tuos rivi défluant sacri cruóris.  Et, quóniam non exsaturári épulis fames, non restíngui póculis pótuit inaudítæ sævítiæ sitis ; bibe sánguinem scaturiéntibus adhuc venis exsécti cápitis profluéntem.  Cerne óculos in ipsa morte scéleris tui testes, aversántes conspéctum deliciárum.  Claudúntur lúmina non tam mortis necessitáte quam horróre luxúriæ.  Os áureum illud exsángue, cujus senténtiam ferre non póteras, conticéscit, et adhuc timétur.

Look, O cruel king, and see a decoration which suiteth well thy banquet!  Stretch forth thine hand, and touch the head of death at thy feast.  So as to lose no part of the luxury of cruelty, let the streams of his sacred blood run between thy fingers.  Thine hunger the dinner hath been unable to satisfy ; thy cups have not been able to quench thine inhuman thirst ; drink the blood still flowing from the palpitating veins of this sacred head.  Look at the eyes!  Even in death they remain the witness of thine uncleanness, albeit they have made haste to close themselves upon the spectacle of thy pleasures.  Those eyes are closing, but, as it were, not so much from death, as from horror at thine enjoyment.  That golden mouth, whose bloodless lips are silent now, can repeat no more the denunciation which thou couldest not bear to hear!  But even yet thou art afraid of their unspoken judgments!

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Honéstum fecit illum Dóminus, et custodívit eum ab inimícis, et a seductóribus tutávit illum: * Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.
V.  Descendítque cum illo in fóveam, et in vínculis non derelíquit eum.
R.  Et dedit illi claritátem ætérnam.

R.  The Lord multiplied the fruit of his labours and defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait: * And gave him perpetual glory.
V.  The Lord went down with him into the pit, and left him not in bonds.
R.  And gave him perpetual glory.

Third Nocturn

Absolutio: A vínculis peccatórum nostrórum absólvat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May the Lord Almighty and merciful break the bonds of our sins and set us free.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 7: Evangélica léctio sit nobis salus et protéctio.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 7:  May the Gospel's holy lection be our safeguard and protection.
R.  Amen.

In illo témpore : Misit Heródes ac ténuit Joánnem, et vinxit eum in cárcere propter Herodíadem, uxórem Philíppi fratris sui, quia dúxerat eam.  Et réliqua.

At that time : Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison, for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her.  And so on, and that which followeth.

Cum sanctum Evangélium legerétur, crudéle spectáculum ante óculos nostros constitútum est : caput sancti Joánnis in disco, ferális missus crudelitátis propter ódium veritátis.  Puélla saltat, et sævit mater ; et inter lascívias et delícias convivántium témere jurátur, et ímpie, quod jurátur, implétur.  Factum est Joánni, quod ipse prædíxerat ; de Dómino enim Jesu Christo díxerat : Illum opórtet créscere, me autem mínui.  Iste minútus est in cápite, ille crevit in cruce.  Odium péperit véritas.  Non pótuit æquo ánimo tolerári quod homo Dei sanctus monébat ; qui útique salútem eórum quærébat, quos sic monébat.  Respondérunt illi mala pro bonis.

The reading of the Holy Gospel hath set a scene of cruelty before our eyes―even the head of Saint John in a charger―a message of ferocious cruelty from one that hateth the truth―a damsel dancing, and a mother rabid―a rash oath sworn amidst the lewd and wanton revels of a banquet―and a wicked fulfilment of the oath so sworn.  It befell unto John according to his own saying.  For he had said concerning the Lord Jesus Christ : He must increase, but I must decrease.  So John decreased by an head, even as Christ's height was made higher upon the Cross.  The truth drew hatred.  It could not be borne in patience that the holy man of God should utter a reproof, although he sought nothing by his reproof, nothing but the soul's health of them to whom he addressed it.  And they repaid him evil for the good he offered them.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Desidérium ánimæ ejus tribuísti ei, Dómine, * Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.
V.  Quóniam prævenísti eum in benedictiónibus dulcédinis, posuísti in cápite ejus corónam de lápide pretióso.
R.  Et  voluntáte labiórum ejus non fraudásti eum.

R.  Thou hast given him, O Lord, his heart's desire, * And hast not denied him the request of his lips.
V.  For thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness, and hast set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
R.  And hast not denied him the request of his lips.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 8:  Cujus festum cólimus, ipse intercédat pro nobis ad Dóminum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 8:  May he whose feast day we are keeping, be our Advocate with God.
R.  Amen.

Quid enim ille díceret, nisi quo plenus erat? et quid illi respondérent, nisi quo pleni erant?  Ille tríticum seminávit, sed spinas invénit.  Dicébat regi : Non licet tibi habére uxórem fratris tui.  ¶  Vincébat enim regem libído : tenébat apud se prohíbitam uxórem fratris sui.  Sed eum tamen sic libébat, ut non sævíret ; honorábat eum, a quo verum audiébat.  Sed múlier detestábilis ódium concipiébat, quod aliquándo dato témpore páreret.  Quando autem parturiébat, péperit filiam, fíliam saltántem.

For what could the Baptist say but that whereof he was full?  And what could they answer him but that whereof they were full?  He sowed wheat, but he reaped thorns.  He had said unto the king : It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.  ¶  Lust had got the better of the king, and he kept a woman whom it was not lawful for him to have, even his brother's wife.  But she pleased him, so that his cruelty was lulled.  He respected the Saint who had spoken the truth to him.  But the vile woman conceived hatred, and in due time brought forth what she had conceived.  And when she brought  forth, she bore a girl, a dancing-girl.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Stola jucunditátis índuit eum Dóminus : * Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.
V.  Cibávit illum Dóminus pane vitæ et intelléctus : et aqua sapiéntiæ salutáris potávit illum.
R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et corónam pulchritúdinis pósuit super caput ejus.

R.  The Lord hath put on him a robe of honour, * And hath put about his head a crown of joy.
V.  With the bread of life and understanding the Lord hath fed him, and hath given him the water of wisdom to drink.
R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And hath put about his head a crown of joy.

If Lesson ix is to be taken from an occurring Feast or Sunday, it is given in its proper place, as announced in the Ordo.

Alternate Ninth Lesson

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 9: Ad societátem cívium supernórum perdúcat nos Rex Angelórum.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 9: May the King of Angels give us fellowship with all the citizens of heaven.
R.  Amen.

Sabína, múlier Romána, Valentíni viri claríssimi uxor, a Seráphia vírgine christiánæ fídei præcéptis institúta, post sanctæ Vírginis martyrium, colléctas ejus relíquias piis exséquiis sepelívit.  Quæ propter eam causam paulo post, Hadriáno imperatóre, comprehénsa, Elpídio júdici sístitur.  Cui is : Tu ne illa Sabína et génere et matrimónio nobilíssima?  At illa, Sum, inquit : sed Dómino meo Jesu Christo grátias ago, qui me, intercessióne Seráphiæ fámulæ suæ, e dæmonum potestáte liberávit.  Quam várie tentátam ut propósitum mutáret, cum a fídei constántia movére non posset, præféctus, pronuntiáta senténtia quod deos contémneret, cápitis damnávit.  Ejus corpus a Christiánis in eódem sepúlcro cónditum est, in quo ipsa magístram fídei suæ Seráphiam posúerat.

Sabina was a Roman lady, the wife of a distinguished nobleman named Valentine.  The Christian faith was taught to her by a maiden named Seraphia.  After the martyrdom of this holy virgin, Sabina gathered together her relicks, and buried them with godly service.  For this cause she was in a little while arrested, under the Emperor Hadrian, and brought before the Judge Elpidius.  Art thou, said he, the same Sabina who is so distinguished for her blood and her marriage?  She answered : I am ; but I give thanks to my Lord Jesus Christ for having delivered me through the prayers of his hand-maiden Seraphia from the troubling of the devils.  Divers attempts were made to make her change her mind, but when they proved in vain, the Prefect passed sentence of death upon her for despising the gods.  The Christians laid her body in the same grave in which she had herself laid that of Seraphia, her teacher in the faith.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Lauds

The first part of Lauds is in the Ordinary

Ant.    Heródes enim ténuit * et ligávit Joánnem et pósuit in cárcerem propter Herodíadem.

Ant.    Herod himself had sent forth, * and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison, for Herodias' sake.

Psalmus 92.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit, decórem indútus est: * indútus est Dóminus fortitúdinem, et præcínxit se.
2  Etenim firmávit orbem terræ, * qui non commovébitur.
3  Paráta sedes tua ex tunc: * a sæculo tu es.
4  Elevavérunt flúmina, Dómine: * elevavérunt flúmina vocem suam.
5  Elevavérunt flúmina fluctus suos, * a vócibus aquárum multárum.
6  Mirábiles elatiónes maris: * mirábilis in altis Dóminus.
7  Testimónia tua credibília facta sunt nimis: * domum tuam decet sanctitúdo, Dómine, in longitúdinem diérum.

The Lord hath reigned, and hath put on glorious apparel; * the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength.
2  For he hath stablished the round world, * that it cannot be moved.
3  Thy throne is prepared from of old : * thou art from everlasting.
4  The floods have lift up, O Lord, * yea, the floods have lift up their voice.
5  The floods have lift up their waves, * with the noise of many waters.
6  The waves of the sea are mighty, * glorious is the Lord, who dwelleth on high.
7  Thy testimonies are become exceeding credible: * holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever and ever.

Ant.    Heródes enim ténuit et ligávit Joánnem et pósuit in cárcerem propter Herodíadem.

Ant.    Herod himself had sent forth, and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison, for Herodias' sake.

Ant.    Dómine mi rex, * da mihi in disco caput Joánnis Baptístæ.

Ant.    O my lord the king, * give me in a charger the head of John Baptist.

Psalmus 99.  Jubilate

Jubiláte Deo, omnis terra: * servíte Dómino in lætítia.
2  Introíte in conspéctu ejus, * in exsultatióne.
3  Scitóte quóniam Dóminus ipse est Deus: * ipse fecit nos, et non ipsi nos.
4  Pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus: * introíte portas ejus in confessióne, átria ejus in hymnis: confitémini illi.
5  Laudáte nomen ejus: quóniam suávis est Dóminus, in ætérnum misericórdia ejus, * et usque in generatiónem et generatiónem véritas ejus.

Psalm 99.  Jubilate

O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: * serve the Lord with gladness.
2  Come before his presence * with exceeding great joy.
3  Know ye that the Lord he is God; * it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.
4  We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture : * O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be ye thankful unto him.
5  Give praises unto his Name: for the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; * and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

Ant.    Dómine mi rex, da mihi in disco caput Joánnis Baptístæ.

Ant.    O my lord the king, give me in a charger the head of John Baptist.

Ant.    Puéllæ saltánti * imperávit mater : Nihil áliud petas, nisi caput Joánnis.

Ant.    For when the damsel danced, * her mother bade her, saying : See thou ask for nothing else than the head of John.

Psalmus 62.  Deus, Deus meus

Deus, Deus meus, * ad te de luce vígilo.
2  Sitívit in te ánima mea, * quam multiplíciter tibi caro mea.
3  In terra desérta, et ínvia, et inaquósa: * sic in sancto appárui tibi, ut vidérem virtútem tuam, et glóriam tuam.
4  Quóniam mélior est misericórdia tua super vitas: * lábia mea laudábunt te.
5  Sic benedícam te in vita mea: * et in nómine tuo levábo manus meas.
6  Sicut ádipe et pinguédine repleátur ánima mea: * et lábiis exsultatiónis laudábit os meum.
7  Si memor fui tui super stratum meum, in matutínis meditábor in te: * quia fuísti adjútor meus.
8  Et in velaménto alárum tuárum exsultábo, adhæsit ánima mea post te: * me suscépit déxtera tua.
9  Ipsi vero in vanum quæsiérunt ánimam meam, introíbunt in inferióra terræ: * tradéntur in manus gládii, partes vúlpium erunt.
10  Rex vero lætábitur in Deo, laudabúntur omnes qui jurant in eo: * quia obstrúctum est os loquéntium iníqua.

Psalm 62.  Deus, Deus meus

O God, thou art my God; * to thee do I watch at break of day.
2  My soul hath thirsted for thee, * my flesh also in many different ways.
3  In a barren and dry land where no water is: * so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, that I might behold thy power and thy glory.
4  For thy mercy is better than the life itself : * my lips shall praise thee.
5  Thus will I bless thee as long as I live : * and I will lift up my hands in thy Name.
6  My soul shall be filled as with marrow and fatness, * and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.
7  If I have remembered thee in my bed, I will think upon thee in the morning : * because thou hast been my helper.
8  And under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice, my soul hath hung upon thee; * thy right hand hath upholden me.
9  But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go down into the nether parts of the earth : * they shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be a portion for foxes.
10  But the king shall rejoice in God; all they also that swear by him shall be commended; * for the mouth of them that speak wicked things shall be stopped.

Ant.    Puéllæ saltánti imperávit mater : Nihil áliud petas, nisi caput Joánnis.

Ant.    For when the damsel danced, her mother bade her, saying : See thou ask for nothing else than the head of John.

Ant.    Arguébat * Heródem Joánnes propter Herodíadem, quam túlerat fratri suo Philíppo uxórem.

Ant.    Now John had reproved Herod * for Herodias' sake, whom he took as his wife from his brother Philip.

Canticum trium Puerorum
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 et 56

Benedícite, ómnia ópera Dómini, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.

2    Benedícite, Angeli Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, cæli, Dómino.

3    Benedícite, aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes virtútes Dómini, Dómino.

4    Benedícite, sol et luna, Dómino: * benedícite, stellæ cæli, Dómino.

5    Benedícite, omnis imber et ros, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes spíritus Dei, Dómino.

6    Benedícite, ignis et æstus, Dómino: * benedícite, frigus et æstus, Dómino.

7    Benedícite, rores et pruína, Dómino: * benedícite, gelu et frigus, Dómino.

8    Benedícite, glácies et nives, Dómino: * benedícite, noctes et dies, Dómino.

9    Benedícite, lux et ténebræ, Dómino: * benedícite, fúlgura et nubes, Dómino.

10  Benedícat terra Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

11  Benedícite, montes et colles, Dómino: * benedícite, univérsa germinántia in terra, Dómino.

12  Benedícite, fontes, Dómino: * benedícite, mária et flúmina, Dómino.

13  Benedícite, cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis, Dómino: * benedícite, omnes vólucres cæli, Dómino.

14    Benedícite, omnes béstiæ et pécora, Dómino: * benedícite, fílii hóminum, Dómino.

15    Benedícat Israël Dóminum: * laudet et superexáltet eum in sæcula.

16    Benedícite, sacerdótes Dómini, Dómino: * benedícite, servi Dómini, Dómino.

17    Benedícite, spíritus, et ánimæ justórum, Dómino: * benedícite, sancti et húmiles corde, Dómino.

18    Benedícite, Ananía, Azaría, Mísaël, Dómino: * laudáte et superexaltáte eum in sæcula.
(Fit reverentia:)

19    Benedicámus Patrem et Fílium cum Sancto Spíritu: * laudémus et superexaltémus eum in sæcula.
20  Benedíctus es, Dómine, in firmaménto cæli: * et laudábilis, et gloriósus, et superexaltátus in sæcula.
Hic non dícitur Glória Patri, neque Amen.

The Song of the Three Holy Children
Benedicite, omnia opera   Dan. 3, 57-88 and 56

O all ye Works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
2  O ye Angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord : * O ye Heavens, bless ye the Lord.
3  O ye Waters that be above the Firmament, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
4  O ye Sun and Moon, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Stars of Heaven, bless ye the Lord.
5  O ye Showers and Dew, bless ye the Lord: * O ye winds of God, bless ye the Lord.
6  O ye Fire and Heat, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Winter and Summer, bless ye the Lord.
7  O ye Dews and Frosts, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Frost and Cold, bless ye the Lord.
8  O ye Ice and Snow, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Nights and Days, bless ye the Lord.
9  O ye Light and Darkness, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Lightnings and Clouds, bless ye the Lord.
10  O let the Earth bless the Lord; * yea, let it praise him, and magnify him for ever.
11  O ye Mountains and Hills, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Green Things upon the earth, bless ye the Lord. 
12  O ye Wells, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Seas and Floods, bless ye the Lord.
13  O ye Whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: * O all ye Fowls of the Air, bless ye the Lord.
14  O all ye Beasts and Cattle, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Children of Men, bless ye the Lord.
15  O let Israël bless the Lord; * praise him, and magnify him for ever.
16  O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: * O ye Servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
17  O ye Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: * O ye holy and humble Men of heart, bless ye the Lord.
18  O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise him and magnify him for ever:
(During the following verse, all bow:)
19  Let us bless the Father and the Son, with the Holy Ghost; * let us praise him and magnify him for ever.
20  Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven; * and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
Here is not said Amen or Glory be.

Ant.    Arguébat Heródem Joánnes propter Herodíadem, quam túlerat fratri suo Philíppo uxórem.

Ant.    Now John had reproved Herod for Herodias' sake, whom he took as his wife from his brother Philip.

Ant.    Da mihi in disco * caput Joánnis Baptístæ.  Et contristátus est rex propter jusjurándum.

Ant.    Give me in a charger * the head of John Baptist.  And the king was sorry, for his oath's sake.

Psalmus 148.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum de cælis: * laudáte eum in excélsis.
2  Laudáte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * laudáte eum, omnes virtútes ejus.
3  Laudáte eum, sol et luna: * laudáte eum, omnes stellæ et lumen.
4  Laudáte eum, cæli cælórum: * et aquæ omnes, quæ super cælos sunt, laudent nomen Dómini.
5  Quia ipse dixit, et facta sunt: * ipse mandávit, et creáta sunt.
6  Státuit ea in ætérnum, et in sæculum sæculi: * præcéptum pósuit, et non præteríbit.
7  Laudáte Dóminum de terra, * dracónes, et omnes abyssi.
8  Ignis, grando, nix, glácies, spíritus procellárum: * quæ fáciunt verbum ejus:
9  Montes, et omnes colles: * ligna fructífera, et omnes cedri.
10  Béstiæ, et univérsa pécora: * serpéntes, et vólucres pennátæ:
11  Reges terræ, et omnes pópuli: * príncipes, et omnes júdices terræ.
12  Júvenes, et vírgines : senes cum junióribus laudent nomen Dómini: * quia exaltátum est nomen ejus solíus.
13  Conféssio ejus super cælum et terram: * et exaltávit cornu pópuli sui.
14  Hymnus ómnibus sanctis ejus: * fíliis Israël, pópulo appropinquánti sibi.

Psalm 148.  Laudate Dominum

O praise ye the Lord from the heavens: * praise ye him in the height.
2  Praise him, all ye Angels of his: * praise him, all his host.
3  Praise ye him, O sun and moon: * praise him, all ye stars and light.
4  Praise him, all ye heavens of heavens, * and ye waters that are above the heavens, praise the Name of the Lord.
5  For he spake the word, and they were made; * he commanded, and they were created.
6  He hath established them for ever, yea, unto ages of ages : * he hath set forth a law, and it shall not pass away.
7  Praise the Lord from the earth, * ye dragons and all deeps;
8  Fire and hail, snow and ice, wind and storm, * fulfilling his word;
9  Mountains and all hills; * fruitful trees and all cedars;
10  Beasts and all cattle; * creeping things and flying fowls;
11  Kings of the earth, and all people; * princes, and all judges of the world;
12  Young men and maidens, old men and children, praise the Name of the Lord: * for his Name only is exalted.
13  His praise is above heaven and earth : * and he shall exalt the horn of his people.
14  A hymn unto all his saints : * even unto the children of Israel, a people that draw nigh unto him.

Ant.    Da mihi in disco caput Joánnis Baptístæ.  Et contristátus est rex propter jusjurándum.

Ant.    Give me in a charger the head of John Baptist.  And the king was sorry, for his oath's sake.

STAND

Capitulum           Jac. 1. 12.
Beátus vir, qui suffert tentatiónem : quóniam cum probátus fúerit, accípiet corónam vitæ, quam repromísit Deus diligéntibus se.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter        James 1. 12.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for, when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Invícte Martyr, únicum
Patris secútus Fílium,
Victis triúmphas hóstibus,
Victor fruens cæléstibus.

Tui precátus múnere
Nostrum reátum dílue,
Arcens mali contágium,
Vitæ repéllens tædium.

Solúta sunt jam víncula
Tui sacráti córporis :
Nos solve vinclis sæculi,
Dono supérni Núminis.

*  Deo Patri sit glória,
Ejúsque soli Fílio,
Cum Spíritu Paráclito,
Nunc, et per omne sæculum.  Amen.

Martyr of God, whose strength was steeled,
To follow close God's only Son,
Well didst thou brave the battle-field,
And well the heavenly bliss was won!

Now join thy prayers with ours, who pray
That God may pardon us, and bless;
For prayer keeps evil's plagues away,
And draws from life its weariness.

Long, long ago were loosed the chains
That held thy body once in thrall;
For us how many a bond remains!
O love of God, release us all.

Ordinary Doxology:
To God the Father, glory be,
And to his sole-begotten Son,
Glory, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
While everlasting ages run.  Amen.

The Church of San Silvestro in Capite,
the English national church in Rome,
where a relic of the head of St. John Baptist
has been  venerated since the XIII Century

V.  Justus ut palma florébit.
R.  Sicut cedrus Líbani multiplicábitur.

V.  The righteous shall flourish like a palm-tree.
R.  And shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus.

Ad Bened. Ant:  Misso Heródes * spiculatóre, præcépit amputári caput Joánnis in cárcere.  Quo audíto, discípuli ejus venérunt, et tulérunt corpus ejus, et posuérunt illud in monuménto.

Ant. on Bened:  Herod sent an executioner, *  and commanded him to behead John in the prison, and when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his body, and laid it in a tomb.